OAK RIDGE POLICE DEPARTMENT
CHIEF OF POLICE,
ROBIN SMITH
HOURS OF OPERATION
8 a.m. until 5 p.m.
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LOCATION
200 South Tulane Avenue, Oak Ridge, TN 37830
ABOUT US:
The Oak Ridge Police Department (ORPD) was originally formed as a military police unit of the United States Army in 1942 to provide a secure community for workers supporting the Manhattan Project during World War II. At that time, the federal facility known as the “Clinton Engineering Works,” was commonly referred to as “Oak Ridge,” a name formally adopted in 1949. In 1947, management of Oak Ridge was transferred from the U.S. military to the Atomic Energy Commission under civilian control. In 1959, the town was incorporated and a City Manager and City Council form of government was adopted.
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Today, ORPD is a service organization employing commissioned law enforcement officers and support staff. The organization provides protection for people who live and work in the City of Oak Ridge and strives to prevent crime and disorder. Services are provided by forging and maintaining partnerships within the community, working closely with customers to identify and address common crime and safety issues. The department coordinates with other organizations to plan for and respond to emergencies and critical incidents.
Services are provided by way of specialized divisions, including a uniformed patrol division, which patrols the city in marked police cars, responding to calls for service and investigating crimes. The department works to improve the safety of motorists through traffic enforcement and driver education efforts. The criminal investigations division is responsible for following up on serious crimes and performing plainclothes operations. The communications division manages all public safety telecommunications, relaying information to fire and police units, and coordinating radio interoperability. The support services division manages all community policing, records management, supply chain, training, and animal control efforts. This is accomplished through teams with specialized training and skills for each assignment.
DEPARTMENT PHONE NUMBERS
Emergency Communication Center (Emergency): 911
Automated Phone Directory: (865) 425-3504
Emergency Communications Center (Non-Emergency): (865) 425-4399
On-Duty Patrol Supervisor (Non-Emergency): (865) 425-3515 (Messages will be returned)
Animal Control: (865) 425-3423 (Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
Police Records: (865) 425-3512 (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Captain, Patrol Division: (865) 425-3968 (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Police Administration (Chief of Police and Division Captains): (865) 425-3504, Option 3 (Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
ORPD VISION, MISSION, VALUES, AND GOALS
Vision
A professional law enforcement agency, committed to making Oak Ridge an attractive place to live, work and visit.
Mission
To reduce the incidence and fear of crime and to enhance public safety.
Values
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We conduct ourselves in a fair and ethical manner.
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We show respect to our customers and each other.
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We communicate openly and are willing to listen to new ideas.
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We share responsibility for team performance.
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We collaborate to accomplish our mission.
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We appreciate the contributions of every team member.
Goals
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Reduce crime, the root causes of crime, and the fear of crime to enhance the quality of life in our community.
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Enhance public safety by reducing traffic crashes and maintaining animal shelter status as a “no kill” shelter
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Develop and maintain an effective workforce; attract and retain quality talent.
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Operate within approved budget.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
I NEED AN OFFICER BUT DON'T THINK I SHOULD CALL 911.
The non-emergency number for Dispatch is (865) 425-4399. This number can be called anytime you need a Police Officer or Animal Control Officer dispatched to your location OR if it is after normal business hours (Mon through Fri 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
If you need to file a report you can also come into the Police Station any time to do so. You will enter through the single glass door in the rear of the building and pick up the phone on the wall, which will connect you directly to dispatch. The dispatcher will then get in touch with an officer to meet you.
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HOW CAN I OBTAIN A COPY OF A POLICE REPORT?
Police Reports are given out by our Records Department. Please allow 3-5 business days after an incident for a report to be available. No cases involving juveniles or those under investigation will be given out.
There are four ways you can request a report:
(1) fill out a Records Request Form and email it to orpd@oakridgetn.gov or turn it in at the Records window
(2) come into the Police Department and make a request at the Records window
(3) call Records at (865) 425-3512
(4) mail the Records Request Form for a request with the name, date of birth and incident date or location along with a self-addressed, stamped envelope to:
Police Records
P.O. Box 1
Oak Ridge, TN 37830
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There is a fee for reports:
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accident and case reports are 15 cents per page
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all mailed requests are 15 cents per page (checks are to be made out to the City of Oak Ridge)
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all requests from insurance companies are 15 cents per page
HOW DO I REQUEST AN OFFICER FOR A SPECIAL EVENT OR AS A GUEST SPEAKER?
An Officer Request Form will need to be completed and submitted to the Chief's office via email or dropped off at the Records window. You can also come into the Police Department and fill out the form.
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HOW DO I APPLY FOR A PARADE PERMIT?
You must fill out a Parade Permit Request and submit it the Chief's office via email or drop it off at the Records window. You can also come into the Police Department to fill out the request. You will be notified via phone when the permit is ready for pick-up. Please submit the request thirty (30) days prior to the event.
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CAN I MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO SPEAK TO ORPD STAFF?
Absolutely. There are two ways of doing so. You can email us to schedule an appointment or call us at (865) 425-3504. Please provide us with a few pieces of information: (1) your name, (2) phone number, (3) best time to contact you, (4) the purpose/reason for the requested appointment, (5) days/times you are available to come in, and (6) the name of the person you wish to talk to, if it is known.
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I WOULD LIKE TO TURN IN AN APPLICATION.
All applications must go through the Personnel Department. Please click here to view openings. Personnel can be reached at (865) 425-3564.
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I WANT TO PAY A TICKET.
Officer-issued tickets can be paid at the City Court Clerk's Office located in the Municipal Building.
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HOW DO I REQUEST A BACKGROUND CHECK?
You will need to fill out a Criminal Background Check Form. You can complete the form at our Records window at the Police Dept. Background checks are available at a cost of $5.00.
*Note: You MUST sign and date the form in front of Records personnel. Any form signed previously will not be accepted.